








4- , 




A 



^ 



t^ 






V » * • "- c 




<^ °^ '.' 






V V" 









"b, *r^.- ,0-' 

o > 




' . . s * ^'V 



^"'W, 




















i^^^mm^^<^^'3)'i>yV>:^'^-^t 






MEXIGU TN MINIATURE; 



^V f* 



A STATISTICAL AND HISTORICAL VIEW i^i' 

OF ^|i 

THE WHOLE COUNTRY: g^ 



•rVIHO A DESCETrXION OF ITS MOST IMPOETAHT 



j CITIES, TOWNS, CHURCHES. CLERGY, CHURCH-PROPERTY, ^^^ 

£> „ ™., .^^ „,.^^^rr,^ ■ % 11 



^ POPULATION, MINES, MANUFACTORIES, EXPORTS, Kj | 

M RIVERS, LAKES, MOUNTAINS, CLIMATE, SEA-PORTS AND ^^j 



HARBORS, ARMY, NAVY, &c. 



T G E T K rn ■WITH AN }: X I' I> A N A T I O V OF THE 



^f j 



m EOUTE AND PK()(IHl:^^S OF OUR ARMY, fej, 
i^ mm 



DESCRIPTION OF B.\TTLKS lurGIiT. AND NAVAL OPERATIONS, '^^r^i 



t^ 



5) 



Tisr, wiiiii.r. AccnMrAMED wixa 



ir.i.vsTP.ATivi; or tiik wokk. 












•3 



m 

i 




BOSTON:^ 
PUBLISH i:[) BY J. B. HA..L, 66 CORNHILL. =^ 

1S47. i!.^'' 



^'- \ ' Eiitcrcil according l<> act of Congress, in tlw y.-ar I^iT. l.v J. }i. Hall, in the Clerk's Office of the 
ip'^ ." District Court lor liii; District of I\I;i--iachusetls. 







..i^^ 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE, 



!;.r5i 



This Map, wiih its accompanying remarks, has been drawn with 
gjeat care, and with a particular view to accuracy. It gives a complete 
outline of the country, and refers to all the principal cities, towns, vil- 
lages, harbors, seaports, rivers, lakes, climate, manufactories, popula- 
tion, &c., and gives a brief history of each. 

It will afford the reader a better understanding of Mexico, the course 
of the army, battle-grounds, places now occupied by our troops, future 
plans, Sec., than can be obtained from any other source whatever, la 
tact, it is a complete history of Mexico in miniature. 

H. B. S. 




VKSA CRCZ, AFTER THE SIEGE. 



Names of the principal Cities, Tonns, VUlapes, Rivsrs, Forts, Passes, <^c., in Mexico 
The numbers refer to the numbers on the map, and point out the location of the place%. 



t. Mexko. 


13. auertlara. 


OS. AlU T»nipico. 


37. Atottinilc<s 


49. Fort Brown. 


0. Vera Cnu. 


M. (M.-lerota. 


'A. Pnmico. 


38. 8a!iti.i'o. 


SO. Fon Polk. 


3. La PtiebU. 


15. AW irortj. 


17. ChoUil.-i. 


.'.9. Valic.. 


51. Corpus Chrtsti. 


4. THmpico. 

5. tiRti Lui* Potosi. 


16. O.-iuba 


•^i. Bio f'rio. 


40. Tuli. 


Si. (,>.rnar»o. 


17. Corloira. 


•3. TbAaC£i&. 


41. Cr.iorce. 


53. Linares. 


ti. MAtitincria. 


18. N.>ii(,:iil Bridrr. 


30. < 'u«rnAv;tca. 


i-i. Tula PaM. 


54. 8alina». 


7. Monierey. 


1'. JaUp... 


31. Toljca. 


«. La Blanco. 


55. Encarnation. 


«. Viltoriii. 


20. Varans. 


yZ. 'rcMuco. 


44. Venando. 


56. Bucna ViMa. 


». KnUill,,. 


•21. i^ua-tii wjo. 


i;. Tameoarvda. 


45. Guad.Uupc. 


57. Afua Nueva. 


to. MoncloVa. 


•ii. Papoiiiilu. 


^-1. TwHiyuc4. 


4«. Marina. 


53. f artaa. 


II Plt(K. 


53. Tl».»n 


JS. Carpno. 


47 P->,iinj. 




19. ZuwIICKk 


a. T<i,i-*. 


iiS. T«:ij. 


49. Ea£ rcr.,«ndo. 





BELATIVE HEIGHT OF SEVERAL TOWNS AND MOUN- 
TAINS IN MEXICO. 

Enfrllch FoM. 

til ft fr«. Mexico, 7.H()5 

■ - Tula, GTSii 

Rio Frio, 10.122 

iiii}c^<H , La Puebla, 7.200 

Perole, 7.692 

> • ' Jalapa, 4.386 

It will at once be seen that the army under Gen. Scotl enjoy a very 
iigreeable climate. Snow and ice are conslanlly seen upon the moun- 
tains, and an overcoat, even in the month of July, is found very com- 
fortable by veteran soldiers. 

How diflercni from ihe climate of Vera Crvz, where the thermome-- 
ter ranges from 90 to 110 degrees, and where the vomito makes such 
sad havoc with the unacclimated. 



>% 



TABLE OF DISTANCES, &c- 



The distnncc from 

Parras to Pjitos, . . . 

Patns to yaltillo, . - . 

Sultillo to Monterey, . . 

Monterey to Coidereta, 

Caidereta to Monle Morelo? 

M. Morelos to Linares, . 

Linares to Victoria, . . 

Victoria to Tanipico, . . 

San Luis to Sallillo, . . 

" " to Victoria, . . 

" to Tampico, . . 

Monclova to Carnaffl^o, , . 

to Saltillo, . . 

Malamoras to Monterey, . 
" to Victoria, 

" to Tampico^ . 

Vera Cruz to Jalnpa, , . 

Jalapa to Perote, . . . 

Vera Cruz to Tampico, . 

Vera Cruz to city of Mexico, 

Tampico to city of Mexico, . 



50 

40 

60 

2S 

40 

40 

106 

175 

27-5 

}50 

290 

26/? 

146 

2-50 

200 

320 

70 

35 

200 

250 

300 



FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE PURSUED BY 
BOTH BRANCHES OF OUR ARMY IN MEXICO. 



Course of the Army under Ceii. Taylor. 

We will suppose the army to enter the country of Mexico by wav 
■oi Corptcs Chrvtti; this place is designated on the Map by No. 5\. 
From thence on to Point Isabel and Fort Brown, marked on the Map 
No. 50. 

It was near this place that the celebrated battles of Palo Alto and 
Resaca de la Palma were fought, on the 8ih and 9th of May, 1846. 
The precise location of the ballle-grounds is designated by the two 
flags. 

The next movement was to possess, and properly fortify, the capital 
city of Maiamoras, as shown on the Map by No. 6. 

From here the course of the army was by a hard march to Mon- 
terey ; (see Map No. 7.) It wr.s at this place that Taylor and his little 
army of heroes fought those renowned battles which resulted in the 
complete capture of the placo. These several battles were fought 
between the 19th and 24th of Septenibor, 1846. 

The next move was upon Saltillo ; (see Map No. 9.) At Buena 
Vista, (see Map No. 56,) Gen. Taylor's last great battle was fought, 
which resulted in the complete triumph of our arms, and the utter 
overthrow of the Mexican forces, under their renowned leader, Gen. 
SarJ.a jhuia. 

This memorable battle was fougiit on the 21st and 22d of February, 
1847. 

The army under Gen. Taylor are now waiting at Saltillo and its 
vicinity for reinforcements, which have been promised. Its next move 
will !)e tjpon Sin Luis Potest, (sec Map No. 5,) and from thence on to 
QtiPreiaro; (see Map No. 13.) 

From this place, the army will move forward towards Zulas, (see 
M^p 36,) for the purpose of uniting with Gen. Scott in the conquest of 
the city of Mexico. 

The route of the army from Saltillo may be to Viftoria, (see Map No. 
8,) and so on to San Luis Potosi, by the way of the celebrated Zula 
Pass; (see Map No. 42.) 

Having thus sketched (he route of the army under Gen. Taylor, we 
will now trace the course of Gen. Scott. 

TVJoxe. — Since the above was writlfn, Uierc hure been some material chnnircs in the 
plan of operaiious in reszard to Gffu. Tai/'^r's division. A lar;^ portion of his detach- 
ment have heen sent forward to j'-in ^re». Scott. The remainder of Taylor's forces 
remain at Saltillo and "Monticrey. The hcaa-qiuutcrs are at JMonterey. As regards iho 
future, nothin? can he known until time makes further dcvclopmeals. 

3 



Course of* (lie Army under IVIaj. Cien. ScotI* 

The troops designed for Gen. Scotl were sent forward in the usual 
manner from New Orleans lo Tampico ; (see Map No. 4.) They were 
joined here by forces which had been neiachcd from Gen. Taylor and 
sent forward by way of Vittoria ; (see Map No. 8.) 

The ne.xt movement was that of the whole branch of Gen. ScottV 
army upon Vera Cruz; (sec Map No. 2.) The army was transported 
from Tampico to Vera Cruz by the U. S. vessels of war. 

It was at this phice that Gen. Scotl commenced his active operations, 
and which resuhed in the complete surrender of the city and castle of 
San Juan de Ulloa, and the entire Mexican forces on that station as 
prisoners of war, in seventeen days from the disembarlcation of the 
American troops. Such a conquest as this is scarcely to be found in 
the annals of human warfare. It was a display of military skill which 
has filled the nations of Europe with profound wonder and astonish- 
ment. 

Scott next moved upon Jalapa ; (see Map No. 19.) Ar Cerro Gordo, 
near the National Bridge, (see Map No. 18,) was fought that celebrated 
battle, ill the month of April, 1S47, which resulted in the capture of 
three thousand prisoners of war, among whom were about seventy ofE- 
ccrs, including five generals. 

The next advance was upon La Piiebla, (see Map No. 3,) by way of 
Perote. At this place the army made a stand for reinforcements, and 
to complete still further the necessary arrangements for the attack upoa 
the city of Mexico. 

20th Sept. — The attack on Mexico has been made — two battles of 
unparalleled severity have been fought, and the result in both cases such 
as we expected. Our banner is still triumphant, and our arms, in 
Mexico at least, arc invincible. 

The city, being now occupied by the American forces, is compara-^ 
lively quiet, and the Mexicans, broken down and dispirited by continual 
disasters, must soon submit to the dictates of peace. 



RESULTS OF THE SEVERAL BATTLES FOUGHT IN 

MEXICO. 

WEMORAXDU5I OF THE BATTLES OP »TII AND 9TH OT MAY. 

Palo Alto, may 8th, 1816. American force, ?,2SS. Mexi-- 
i'4in force, 6,000 regular and several thousand irregular troops. Ameri- 
o.an loss, nine killed, and forty-four wounded. Mexican loss about two 
hundred killed, and four hundred wounded, MeJtican army fell back 
to Resaca de la Palma, 

Ulay 9tll, 1S46. American force engaged, 1,700, (aggregate, 
2,222.) Mexican force, 7,000 (reinforced by cavalry and infantry.) 
American loss, thirty-nine killed and eighty-two wounded. Mexicanf 
loss, about two hundred and fifty killed and six hundred wounded. 
The Mexicans retreated in the greatest confusion, pursued by the 

4 



American cavalry to the Rio Grande, where many of them were 
drowned in cro.ssing. The Mexicans had veteran regiments of cavalry 
and infantry, perfectly equipped and provided, and occupying a cnosen 
and advantageous position, strongly defended with artillery. The 
entire camp, baggage, ammunition, maps, papers, &c., fell into the 
hands of the Americans. 

Iflonterey, !!>iept. 31 8t, 22d and 23d, 1846. Capitu- 
lated on the morning of the 24ih, after the Americans had carried all 
the forts, batteries, and barricades, and held three quarters of the town. 
American forces engaged, not quite 6,000 men. Mexican force, 7,000 
regular and about 4,000 irregular troops. American loss, one hundred 
and twenty-six killed and three hundred and fifty wounded. Mexican 
loss supposed to be about eight hundred killed and wounded. 

Battle or^uena Vista, Teh. fS2, 1847. This was one 

of the most desperate battles ever fought ; our arms were victorious, 
though engaged in the unequal contest of four to one. The enemy 
was descried on the morning of the 21st, at which time our volunteers 
sent up three tremendous cheers. The enemy had thirty-two cannon 
of large calibre. The result of the first day was only eight or ten 
killed and wounded on the American side. 

The second day, at sunrise, the fight began in earnest. The dark 
columns of the Mexicans extended as far as the eye could see ; the two 
armies were soon in hot conflict. At night the Mexicans withdrew in 
haste, leaving their arms and munitions of war upon the field. Many 
perished from starvation in their retreat. 

The loss on both sides was great, and a large proportion of officers. 

The Mexicans lost three general officers, and twenty colonels and 
commanders of battalions. 

The Mexican force engaged in this action was from twenty to twenty- 
five thousand. The Americans, all told, did not exceed six thousand, 
and most of them were new recruits and volunteers. This was a con- 
test of four against one, and, strange to tell, our arms were triumphant. 

Vera Cruz and the Castle taken, Iflarch 26. We 

are indebted to one of the officers of the Princeton for the following 
summary of the proceedings in this most brilliant achievement, — an 
achievement that will redound more to the glory of our army and 
marine among the nations abroad than any that has yet had place in 
our annals : — 

March 9tk. — Disembarkation of troops commenced, 

11th. — Investment of the city completed. 

18th. — Trenches opened at night. 

22d. — City summoned to surrender ; on refusal, seven mortars 
opened a fire of bornb-shells. 

24?^. — Navy battery of three long thirty-two pounders and three 
sixty-eight pounders, Paixhan guns, opened a fire in the morning — 
distance seven hundred yards. 

25th. — Another battery of four twenty-four pounders and three 
mortars opened this day ; the naval battery opened a breach in the 
walls of the city. The fire was very destructive to the town. 

26th. — Early in the morning the city proposed for a surrender- 

5 



Commissioners oa the American side, Geoerale Worlh and Pillotr, 

and Colonel Tollen. 

26/A. — Negolialions completed; city and castle surrendered — 
Mexican troops marched out and laid down their arms — American 
troops occupied the city and batteries of the town and castle. At noon 
on that day the American ensign was hoisted over both, and saluted 
by our vessels; tlie garrison, of about four thousand men, laying down 
their arms, as prisoners of war, and being sent to their homes on 
parole — five generals, sixty superior officers, and two hundred and 
seventy company officers being among the prisoners. 

The total loss of the American army, from the day of landing, March 
9lh, is sixty-five persons killed and wounded. Officers killed : Capt. 
John R. Vinton, 2d Artillery ; Capt. Alburtis, 2d Infantry ; Midship- 
man T. B. Shubrick. Wounded : Col. Dickenson, of South Carolina 
Volunteers, severely; Lieut. A. S. Baldwin, Navy, slightly; Lieut. 
Delozin, 2d Infantry, slightly ; Lieut. Lewis Neill, 2d Dragoons, 
severely. All tlie wounded are doing well. 

Of the Mexicans the slaughter is said to be immense. The com- 
manding general was stationed in the city, while his second in com- 
mand held the castle. 

Their regular force was about three thousand, and they had about 
the same number of irregulars. Outside the city was Gen.' La Vega, 
with a force of from six to ten thousand cavalry. Col. Harney, with 
between two and three hundred United Stales dragoons, charged on 
and repulsed this immense force, with terrible carnage, scattering them 
in all directions. 

Battle of Ccrro Gordo, April, 1847. This great bat- 
tle, fought under the direction of Gen. Scott, was planned with great 
.skill, and carried on with zeal to a successful and triumphant result. 
After the fiivorable issue of the conflict, Scott writes to the Department 
at Washington as follows : — 

"We are quite embarrassed with the results of victory — prisoners 
of war, heavy ordnance, field batteries, small arms, and accoutrements. 

" About three thousand men laid down their arms, with the usual 
proportion of field and company officers, besides five generals, several 
of them of great distinction. Pinson, Jarrero, La Vega, Noriega, and 
Obando. A sixth general, Vesquez, was killed in defending the battery 
(tower) in the rear of the whole Mexican army, the capture of which 
gave us these glorious results. 

"The small arms and their accoutrements being of no value to our 
army here or at home, I have ordered them to be destroyed ; for we have 
not the means of transporting them. I am, also, somewhat embarrassed 
with the pieces of artillery — all bronze — which we have cap- 
lured. It would take a brigade, and half the mules of our army, to 
transport them fifty miles. 

" A field battery I shall take for service with the army ; but the 
heavy metal must be collected, and left here for the present. We have 
our own siege-train and the proper carriages with us. 

" Our loss, though comparatively small, in numbers, has been serious. 

" I estimate our total lo,ss, in killed and wounded, may be about two 

6 



|^f)iilr^4 ai?i. fi%, f\nd' tl^fof lUg <?nemy three hundred and fifty., jfj 
«^^ pursiiu towards Jalapa, (twenty-five miles hence,) I learn we havf 
/idded much to the enemy's loss in prisoners, killed, and wounded. Ii^ 
fact, I suppose his retreating army to be nearly disorganized, and hence 
my haste to follow, in aa hour or two, to profit by events. 

" President Santa Anna, with Generals Canalizo and Almonte, and 
some six or eight thousand men, escaped towards Jalapa just before 
Cerro Gordo was carried, and before Twiggs' division reached the 
national road above." 

Battle at Sacramento, nnder Col. I^oiiiphan. The 

victory of Col. Doniphan, at Sacramento, it has been truly said, is, in 
many respects, the most remarkable achievement of the war, as \yill be 
seen by the following statistics: — 

Mexicans engaged, . . 4,223 



Americans engaged, . . 924 
American pieces artillery, . 6 
Americans killed, ... 2 



Mexican pieces artillery, 12 
Mexicans killed, . . . 3G0 



Nearly half the Mexican force were regulars, while the American 
force was ne/irly all, if not entirely, made up of volunteers. Major 
Owens was the only man killed in the action ; one private wounded. 

Battles foet©fi*e llae Citv of ]!Icxico. The following let- 
ter is from a highly respectable Mexican, and seems to be a very im- 
partial account of the late battles before the city of Mexico: — 
* " On the 16th of August, Gen, Worth, in command of Gen. Scott's 
advance, encountered the advance of the Mexican army. From that 
moment considerable skirmishing ensued, until the 19th, at twelve 
o'clock, noon, when the Americans came in sight of works near Gon- 
treras. They then assailed our works, and, after six hours' hard fight- 
ing, they left our troops still in full possession of their position. The 
Americans then withdrew, and bivouacked in sight of our army, as 
night had come on. Early in the morning of the 20th, after a night 
of heavy rain, the operations were again commenced on both sides. 
Our main batteries at Contreras were stormed and taken by the Ameri- 
cans, after a short but terrible struggle ; and I am sorry to be in the 
necessity to say it, Valencia's army was obliged to fly towards the city, 
having left behind him about 1,500 prisoners, and no less than fifteen 
pieces of artillery. Among the prisoners were Generals Blanco, Gar- 
cia, Salas and Mendoza. 

" I was among the very last who left that spot, and therefore I have 
had a good opportunity to see all I now relate. 

" The road, along which our troops fled, was covered with our un- 
fortunate dead and wounded, among whom a large number of officers 
are to be counted ; and I do not hesitate to say, that I saw at least seven 
hundred of my countrymen dead, and double that number wounded, in 
the field. 

" All our ammunition and camp equipage was taken by the Ameri- 
cans, and a great quantity of our muskets were abandoned on the road. 

"We arrived at San Antonio, where strong works had been con- 
structed, and were again attacked by the Americans, We, however, 
soon abandoned that position, with the loss of two pieces of artillery. 
General Valencia then ordered us to fall back upon the main works at 

7 



Churubuspo, where ihe contest was again fiercely renewed ; and, after 
come hours' ligluing, the whole were taken by the Annericuns, and onr 
forces retreated, in some disorder, to the city. 

"Our forces amounted in all to from 15,000 to 20,000, and it is 
reported that the American forces v/hich engaged us were only six or 
^even thousand. 1 cannot tell you t!ie correct loss which our troops 
sustained. 

" Many of our generals have been lost ; also forty-five pieces o;' 
artillery and an immense quantity of amunition. 

" The loss of the Americans cannot fall short of 1,100. An armis- 
tice was agreed upon on the 23d, and commiiisioners on both sides to 
negotiate. 

" The following are the prisoners made at Churubusco : Generals 
Anaya, Rincon, and Gorostiza. Gen. Frontera was killed at Contre- 
ras." 

Capture of the City of l?Ie\ico. The following is from 

a foreign resident of Mexico : — 

" I avail myself of the departure of the British courier, to sketch you 
the scenes it has been my luck to witness in the capital and iis envi- 
rons, the Mexicans having been beaten in all points and in every way, 
from the 8th to the 13lh inst. 

" Gen. Santa Anna left the capital on the evening of the 13lh, and 
took the road to the interior. On the 14th, in the morning, the Ameri- 
cans entered the city in a very quiet manner, and Gen. Scott w^s 
already in the palace, when on a sudden the people of the low classes 
commenced throwing stones on the Americans from the lops of the 
houses, and from all the streets, whilst individuals of a better standing 
fired from the windows and balconies on the Yankees, who were far 
from expecting such treatment. 

" Gen. Scott ordered immediately pieces of artillery to be placed in all 
directions, and soon swept the streets with grape shot; but this proved 
insufficient to subdue the insurrection. Gen. Scott then sent a few 
companies on divers points, with orders to break open every house out 
of which the Mexicans should fire ; to put to the sword those found 
within ; and, lastly, to sack the property therein contained. 

" This order was executed with great trtoderation, thanks to the 
secret instruciions of Gen. Scott; but in some cases with stern energy, 
which soon put down the insurrection. 

"These scenes lasted three long and sad days — from the 14th to 
the 16ih — and, I assure you, we were much alarmed during the whole 
lime." 

The New Orleans Delia's correspondent gives the following account 
of the entrance into the city after the results and successes of the day: — 

" Gen. Scott intended, on the morning of the 18th, to make a lodg- 
ment on the new Payo, entering by the San Cosme gale, and bombard 
the city; and for this purpose the balance of Gen. Twiggs' division was 
ordered from El Piedad to the support of Gen. Worth. 

" On the ni^ht of the 13th, Santa Anna evacuated all his positions 
and retreated from the city, having had more than one half of his army 
killed and wounded or taken prisoners. Among the latter was Geiu 

8 



Braro, with his staff", at Chepultepec. Santa Anna found that if he 
fought on the 14th, he would hardly have a body-guard left to cover 
his retreat. Early in the morning, the two columns took up their 
march. Generals Quitman and Smith, at the head of their columns, 
entered the grand national plaza at seven o'clock. 

" The column was formed in the plaza by order of Gen. Quitman. 
The national flag of the vanguard, of the Cerro Gordo division, while 
the command came to a present, was flung to the breeze on the Na- 
tional Palace, and it now triumphantly waves over the Halls of the 
Montezumas. 

" Gen. Worth's command halted four or five squares from the plaza, 
where Col. Garland was wounded. 

" About eight o'clock. Gen. Scott and staff", in full feather, escorted 
by the cavalry, came into the city, amid the huzzas of the soldiery on 
all sides. As he entered, the band of the 2d Dragoons, mounted, inter- 
ested the staring crowds with ' Hail Columbia.' 

" As the escort entered the grand plaza, the band moved the patriot- 
ism of the whole of us to a little higher pitch, by the good old-fashioned 
national air of' Yankee Doodle.' 

" One of the first acts of Gen. Scott wa.s to appoint Gen. Quitman 
Civil and Military Governor of Mexico, and Col. J. F. Belton Lieuten- 
ant Governor. Gen. Quitman's department embraces the following 
officers : Capt. F. N. Page, Assistant Adjutant General ; Lieut. M. 
Lovell, M. Wilcox, and R. P. Hammond, Aid de Camps; Capt. G. T. 
Davi.s, Secretary ; M. Levi, Interpreter. 

" Throughout the 14th, and on the morning of the 15ih, the Mexi- 
cans continued to fire from the corners and tops of the houses, killing 
some and wounding others. The artillery was first tried on thern, but 
owing to their unseen position, it was not effective. 

" The rifle regiment and some of the infantry were then sent in pur- 
suit, which force silenced them wherever they went. The Mexicans 
were very much mistaken when they came to engage the rifles on the 
housetops. During their revolutions, they would fight in this way for 
several days, without doing each other much injury ; but the deadly 
fire of the rifles picked them out from their hiding places where they 
least expected it, and made them very willing to cease so unequal a 
combat. 

" Since our army arrived in the Valley, we have lost about 3,000 
men in killed and wounded. 

" We have destroyed the Mexican army, of over 30,000 men, up- 
ward of 6,000 of which have been taken prisoners. 

•'We have captured seventy pieces of artillery — twenty-seven at 
the battle of Contreras : ten in a fort at Churubusco ; and thirty-three 
on the 12ih, 13th and 14th." 

GENERAL ORDER. 

" The General-in-Chief calls upon his brothers in arms to return, 
both in public and private worship, thanks and gratitude to God, 
for the glorious and signal triumph which they have recently achieved 
for their cnuntry; beginning with the 19lh of August and ending on 
the 14th September. 

9 



"This army has gail.-^ntl/foufrhi its way ihroagli ihf fi-Ws and km 
of CoiUrenis, ti.ia Atilonrio, Churul)nsco, Moleno del Re^-, Chepullepfifl, 
and the gales of San Ga{>|():i and Tucubayix, to ilv capital of Mexiod 
Wluui the very limited nMrolxTS who have perforiued th(».sc brilliant 
deeds sliall have become known, the world will be astonislied and oui' 
country filled with joy." 

RECAPITULATION OF THE KILLED AMD WOUNDEp. 

Gen. Worth's Division — 140 killed, 7G6 wounded, and 27 missing. 
Gen. Tioiggs' Division — 3S killed, 194 wouiuled, and 10 missing. 
Gen. Pillow's DirAsion — 21 killed, 111 wounded, and 10 missing. 
Gen. Quiiman's Division — 41 killed, and 267 wounded. Tolal killed, 
wounded, and missing, 1,G2.'3. 

The Pennsylvania and New York regiments lost 41 killed, and 276 
wounded — total 317. [A list of their names is published, in the New 
York papers.] 

Bonibardincsit of Puebla. — Defeat and Flight of Santa 
Anna. Santa Anna was before Puebla on the 25ih of September. He 
informed Col. Childs that he had occupied the city with 8,000 men, an4 
demanded that the Americans evacuate the citadel, giving ihem per- 
mission to proceed to Mexico and join Gren. Scott. 

Col. Childs defied Santa Anna. On the 27th Santa Anna com- 
menced a tremendous assault upon Col. Childs' position ; and the Utter 
Ixx return rained bombs and shells upon the city. 

On the 28th the cannonade was resumed by the Mexicans, but thf 
city <j|efended themselves from the attacks of the Americans by cotton 
bales. 

On the 30th the Mexicans bad completed another battery. 

On the 29th and SOih there was very little fighting. 

On the 1st of October Santa Anna marched at the head of 2,000 
cavalry to attack the reinforcements on their way to join Gen. Scott, al 
Mexico, but his men revoked, and pronounced him a traitor, &c. 
Santa Anna escaped with a body guard of 150 hussars. 

The Mexican Government had ordered Santa Anna to Queretaro, 
but he fled in a contrary direction towards Oaxaca, anjj would probably 
.».eek refuge in Guatemala. 

Up to the 1st of October, Col. Childs continued to maintain his posi- 
tion in the citadel of Puebla. Cannonading had ceased at all points. 

The cotton store-house, in the city of Puebla, took fire during the 
bombardment, and was burned down, spreading alarm and consterna- 
tion. 



NAVAL OPP]RATIONS. 

Attack OW T®R>aSCO. Tobasco is a fine city, situated on a 
high bluff on the right bank of the river, eighty miles from its mouth. 
The river is narrow, the banks are high and sleep, and covered with 
trees, chapparal, and flags, interwoven with hanging vines and the 
densest foliage. 

On the 12th of , the squadron anchored off the river Tobasco, 

10 



and on the 14th, all things being ready, sail was made. The steamer 
Scorpion, bearing the commoJore's broud pennant, having in tow the 
Washington and Vesuvius, followed by the steainers Spitfire, Vixen, 
and Scourge, towing the Etna, Siromboli, Boniia, and Capt, Taylor's 
little vessel, the Spitfire, with the patent camels, for lifting our vessels 
over the shoals and obstructions thrown across the river — the boats of 
the squadron, about fifty in number, towing astern of all, presented a 
beautiful sight. 

After a variety of successful skirmishing, a parly was landed from 
the Scorpion, to take possession of the town, and thinking in the fort 
that they were about to be attacked in the rear, they prepared to limber 
' up their field-pieces, when Lieut. Porter landed with a force from the 
Spitfire, and gallantly rushed up the hill to board, when the enemy 
tied, leaving two of their field-pieces behind all limbered up for moving 
oif. He then spiked the guns and hoisted the American flag. 

KILLED AND WOUNDED IN THE ATTACK ON TOBASCO. 

Killed — James White, seaman. Spitfire. 

Wounded Mortally — James Mitchell, seaman, Potomac, since dead. 

Dangerously — William Treat, seaman, Potomac. 

Secerely — James Hoy, seaman, Mississippi ; Crosby, ordinary, 

Etna; George Brown, seaman, Etna. These last two men were 
■A'ounded by an explosion of gunpowder. 

Slightly — George Johnson, seaman, Potomac, by an explosion of 
gunpowder. 

Surrender of Tauipico. This, unlike the other conquests 
of our arms in Mexico, was obtained without the price of blood. The 

tleet sailed under Com. Conner, on the 11th and I2ih of . On 

the 14lh Com. Perry crossed the bar with the Spitfire, Vixen, Petrel, 
Bonita, and Reefer, reinforced from the Cumberland, Mississippi, 
Princeton, and St. Mary's. There was no opposition made to the 
American arms. The town was surrendered unconditionally, the gar- 
rison having been previously withdrawn. 

The town is now sufficiently garrisoned by our land forces, and will 
became a place of great importance in our further operations upon the 
interior. 



DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPAL CITIES, TOWNS, 
VILLAGES, &c., IN MEXICO, 

IVIexico. The valley of Mexico, in which the city is situated, 
occupies the table land, from 6,000 to 8,000 feet high, about midway 
between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific O^-ean. The valley 
inclosed between this rampart of hills contains 1,700 square miles. 

The present city of Mexico is one of the most beautiful and splendid 
on the western continent. The population of the city of Mexico is 
estimated from 150,000 to 200,000. 70,000 are probably of Spanish 
origin, and not less than 40,000 are pure-blooded Indians ; the 

11 



remiiinder arc of all possible shades, from the copper-colored native to 
the light olivo shade of the Spaniard. 

Vera Cruz. Vera Cruz is a walled city, well built; its towers, 
cupolas, and baitlements, give it a very imposing appearance from the 
sea. lis climate is warm, but fatal to strangers; many of tliein die of 
the vomito and yellow fever. Its water is extremely bad, which is one 
chief cau?e of its prevailing sickness. In this city centres almost all 
the trade of Mexico ; its population is about 7,000.— 'Sp» \Iap No. 1.) 

Castle of San Juan cic Ulloa. The ccleorated castle of 
San Juan de Ulloa was built by the Spaniards, in 1682, sixty-four 
years after their arrival on the shores of Mexico. It is built on an 
island, about one third of a mile from the city of Vera Cruz. Its cos: 
W.JS -.xhoxw. forty jniUions of dollars. 

Its batteries have mounted as many as 177 guns, of varioiis calibre. 
It has been taken at four different times: — 

1. By Juan Aquinas Acle, the pirate. 

2. By Lurencello, a buccaneer, on the 17th of May, 1693. 

3. By the French, in 1938. Its magazine blew up, otherwise the 
success of the French would have been very doubtful. 

4. It has been now taken for the fourth time, by the army of the 
United Slates. The stars and stripes now triumphantly float upon its 
battlements. This celebrated castle was the last hold of the Spaniard? 
in the New World. 

I*erote. Perote is a strongly fortified place. It has long been 
used as a place of confinement for state prisoners; the Te.wn prisoner*, 
were confined here. It is situated 8,500 feet above the level of the 
sea, and is uncomfortably cold. 

J^a Pliebla. Puebla is a handsome and large city ; it is the 
capital of the state of Puebla, and is next in importance to the city of 
Mexico. It is celebrated for its manufactures of glass, earthenware 
woollen and cotton goods ; it has been called the Lowell of Mexico. 
Its population is about 80,000. — (See Map No. 3.) 

San f jtli«>« Potosi. This i§ the capital of the state of the same 
name, and is one of the most important inland towns in Mexico ; it is the 
depot of the trade of Tampico, and of the northern and western ports ot' 
the republic. It contains a mint, a college, and several churches, and 
is connected with several rich silver mines. Its population is about 
/)0,010. Its location is midway between Monterey and Mexico, abou: 
350 miles from each place. — (See Map No. 4.) 

'I'ainiJlCO. Tampico was founded in 1824, and is at present one 
of the principal seaports in Mexico, thoufrh its harbor is very poor. It 
is a very pretty town, and contains about 5,000 inhabitants. Its climate 
is warm; at this season (Feb.) the thermometer ranges as high as 5)0 
at noon, which renders the place very sickly. The market is good — 
well supplied with choice fruits, and at reasonable prices; the water i'; 
very bad. — (See Map No. 4.) 

]?Ionlca'Cy. This is the capital of the state of New Lenn ; it w 
situated on the Fernando river, about 250 miles from its mouth, k 

12 



hds well-paved sWeetSj and mostly one story stone btilldlhgs. The city 
is located on the main travelling route from the Rio Grande to the 
city of Mexico. This place will be noted in history for the hard- 
fought battles around it, and its surrender to Gen. Taylor and his brave 
troops. Its population is about 12,000. — (See Map No. 7.) 

ITIatamorns. Matamoras is situated on the south bank of the 
Rio Grande, and at but a little distance from its mouth. This place 
was taken by Gen. Taylor in May, 1846, and \Vas the first Mexican 
town taken after the beginning of the war. — (See map No. 6.) 

Snltillo. This place is situated about 60 miles south-west of 
Monterey. This was for some time the head-quarters of the American 
army under Gen. Taylor. Ten or twelve miles south of Saltillo is 
Buena Vista. Here was fought the hardest battle that has yet taken 
place in Mexico, the result of which has covered our arms with immor- 
tal honors. — (See Map No. 9.) 

AlTarado. this was the principal entry port on the Gulf 
durino- the occupation of San Juan de Ulloa by the Spanish forces. — - 
(See Map No. 15.) 

Quei'etnro. This is the capital of a state by the same name. It 
IS one of the most beautiful and wealthy cities of Mexico. Its streets cross 
at right angles and terminate in iis three principal squares. Its aque- 
duct, ten miles in length, with lofty arches, and its splendid churches 
and convenes, give the city an air of great magnificence. The convent 
of Sf. Clara is more than two miles in its circuit. Population, about 
40,000. — (See Map No. 13.) 

V.llladolid. This is the capital of the state of Michoacan. It has 
wide and clean streets, a magnificent cathedral, and plaza, or public 
square. It is situated 6,300 feet above the sea, and contains a popula- 
uon of about 25,000. 

C!ll!B<lnLlxara. This is the capital of Jalisco. Its streets are 
regularly laid out, and it contains several handsome churches and con- 
vents. 'Its population is about 60,000. — (See Map No. 21.) 

Sail HBas. San Bias is situated near the mouth of the Rio 
Grande During the rainy season it is extremely unhealthy; the rain, 
falls in such torrents that no roof can exclude it, and it is dangerous to 
go out into the streets. The population in the dry season is about 3000; 
at the beginning of the rainy season they move away to Tepic, and 
thereby reduce the population to 150 souls. • 

Zncaicras, This is the capital of ihe state of Zacatecas. The 
mint in this place employs about 3,000 persons; $60(000 have been 
coined at this mint in twenty-four houi's. The total coinage for _/?pe 
iiears, from 1S21 to 1826, was more than 17,500,000 dollars. Its popu* 
lation is about 3?,G00. — (See Map No. 12.) 

Oayaca. This is the Capital of a state of the same name. Ita 
population is about 40,000. 

IVe^V ]Tle\JCO. The territory of New Mexico is only an infant 
getlleu.ent, formed on the upper part of the Rio Grande. Its climate 

13 



is reiy cool. Santa Pe is the capital, and contains about 5,6(J0 
Bihabitanis. 30,000 sheep are annually reared here and sent soutb- 
ward. The caravan rouie from Missooiri terminates herfe. 

IjOWCI* California. This is a long peninsula in the Picric 

Ocean. It conlaitis about 8,000 white inhabitants and converted Indians^ 
and about 4,000 savages. 

IVeW upper California* This is a vast tract, extending 
from Lower California to the latitude of 42°. Several missions exiel 
here, containing about 7,000 converts, and 300,000 head of cattle. 

The coast has some good harbors. St. Francisco is one of the best in 
the world. It affords perfect security to ships of any burden, and plenti- 
ful supplies of beef, vegetables, wood and water. 



,|. STATISTICS OF MEXICO. 

ChltrclieSt In the city of Mexico, there are more than 90 
churches. 

CItTircll Property* The whole church property has been 
estimated at no less a sum than 160 millions of dollars. 

Clcryy. In the city of Mexico there are about 800 secular clergy, 
and nearly 2000 of the regular clergy. 

Salaries* Several of the bishops have a salary of from 100 to 
130,000 dollars annually. The presents of the clergy and other public 
servants are enormous. 

Santa Anna, on the anniversary of his birth, has been known to 
receive presents to the amount of $200,000. 

Population. The entire population of Mexico has been Van~ 
ously estimated from seven to eight millions. 

The Army* The army of Mexico is usually about 40,000 by 
the pay roll ; they have from 200 to 300 generals. 

Exports. The exports of Mexico are about twenty millions per 
annum. The following table will show the revenues of the govern- 
ment, and the sources from which it is derived, as near as can be 
ascertained. 

From t[ie Maritime Custom Houses, ..... $6,500,000 

Interinf Commerce, 4.-500,000 

Direct Taxes 3.0! 0.000 

Percentncc on pTodttce of Mines, . . . 1,OOO.COO ' 

Profit of Mints, oOO.OOO 

Tobacco Monopoly, fOlOOO 

Post-offices, Lotteries, ) ,-^r\ a^^q 

Mannfactnre of Powder, Salt, &;c., \ ' ' '^ ' " ' 
Tolls and other sources, 500.000 - • 

$17,000,000 
To this shbuld be added four miUions more as the amount o[ taxee 

14 



levied, and from 5 to 10,000,000 more which is annually embezzled by 
ftgantd, and which of course does not find its way to the public ilea*' 
ury. 

MsBlCS. The gross produce of the mines of Mexico, from 1690 to 
1803, aiDounted to one billion thrcr hmidrcd ayid thirty-eight million 
four hundred and Jifty-two dollars arid twejiiy cents, being about 
tivclrc million dollars per annum. 

The returns of 1842 cxliibit an exportation of silver and gold to the 
amount of $18,000,000. 

The present produce of the mines is about twenty-three millions of 
dollars per annum. 

The whole amount coined at the mint since the conquest is about 
8413,000,000. 



MANUFACTURES OF MEXICO. 

Manufactures in Mexigo are in a very rude state. There are, how- 
ever, considerable fabrics of coarse* red earthenware and glassj together 
with coarse woollens and cottons. 

The working of the silver mines has been the principal business. 

Eleirant services of plate have been manufactured in Mexico, Worth 
from 30,000 to 40,000 dollars. 

The coaches of Mexico are celebrated for their good construction and 
beauty. 



RIVERS OF MEXICO. 

The rivers of Mexico are not very numerous, nor of any great 
magnitude. 

Kbo €«(rilllde« This is the principal river; it rises in the north- 
ern part of the country, and flows by a south-easterly direction, aboat 
1,800 miles, to the Gulf of Mexico. 

SacrafiiBento, ftMcsiaventiira. These are rivers of Upper 

California, and of which but very little is known. 

CoSor:i4lo* This is a large river, 900 miles in length ; it courses 
its way through countries but thinly peopled and little known. It falls 
into the gulf of California. 

CSlila^ This is a considerable streatti j it falls into the Colorado^ 
and of course has the same termination. 



LAKES OF MEXICO. 

The lakes of Mexico are numerous, biit df small ejttent. The val-= 
ley contains five, on which floating gardens made by a raft covered 
with earth Were numerous. 

ClEJlp^Ea. This is the only lake of any great extent. It contaias 
an area of about 1,300 square miks. 

1§ 



The Tide lakes In Upper California, and some Others near tlie 
northern boundary of Mexico, contain large bodies «>f water, bul little 
are known of them* 



CLIMATE OF MEXICO. 



In regard to climito.soil, and the varied productions of nature, MexK 
00 is one of the most favored lands in ilie world : it is capable of pltv 
ducing all that commeifce brings tor^ethcr from every part of the globe. 
Every variety of climate that can be enjoyed, from the Equator lo ibe 
Arctic regions, seems to have been concentrated in Mexico. 



VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS OF MEXICO. 

l^OpOCatapetl. This is. a volcanic, or " smoking mountain ! ^ 
It is 17,716 feet high, and is the highest in Mexico. 

Iziaccihl9»t3, or " white mountain^ This is a volcanic moun- 
tain, though it has not been active for ages. 

Tu\tla. This is volcanic, and is the most eastern, situated only 
a few miles from Vera Cruz. 

OirizAVa« This is about fifty miles from the coast, yet it is seen 
at the distance of one hundred miles at sea. It is 17,400 feet high ; 
all above 15,092 is covered with snow. It is volcanic. 

Colilfilfl. This is a volcano of recent formation ; it emits smoke 
and ashes, but not lava. It is situated nearly west of the capita), 
towards the Pacific. 

•fornllOt This is a* volcano which is constantly burning. 

I*erote. This is a mountain of considerable elevation. 

"^Toluca. This is another elevation of considerable importance* 

16 



/ 



PRINCIPAL SEAPORTS AND HARBORS IN MEXICO. 

The chief seaports are, , 

Vera CrtlX and 'I'anipico, in the Gulf of Mexico. 
Acaptllco and San fllas, on the west coasts 
Gliaymas, on the Gulf of California. 

Moiitcrey is the principal place in Upper California, and is ofbn 
visited by our whale ships. 

^!»ailtc FCj in New Mexico, is the centre of the trade with Mis* 
souri. 

Remark. — The want of harbors must ever prevent Mexico from 
becoming a great maritime power. ^ 

. . 1 



A NAVAL AND MILITARY MAP OF MEXICO. 



\ 



6 

O 



EXPLANATION OF SIGNS. 

This sign denotes a capital city. 

This denotes a town of considerable importance. 

This sign indicates a small town or village. 
I This mark indicates lanchos and estates. 

— ■ This sign is intended to indicate a good road. 

— This denotes a bad road. 

This sign indicates a mule track. 

This mark denotes a boundary. 

I Tiie sign of the flag points out the location where the jsererel 
battles have been fought, and also its possession by the American 
forces. 



NAMEvS 01 .HE ^KINCIPAL CITIES, TOWNS, VIL- 
LAGES, RIVERS, FORTS, PASSES, &c., IN MEXICO. 

numbers on the Map, and point out th« 



The numbers re o the 


locatior 


I of these places. 


No. 1, 


Mexico. 


2, 


Vera Cruz. 


3, 


La Puebla. 


4, 
5, 


Tampico. 

San Luis Potosi. 


6, 


Matamoras. 


7, 
8, 


Monterey. 
Vittoria. 


9, 


Saltillo. 


10. 


Monclova. 


11, 


Patos. 


12. 


Zacatecas. 


13, 
14, 


Queretaro. 
Caiderota. 


15, 


Alvarado. 


16, 


Orizaba. 


17, 


Cordova. 


18, 
19, 
20, 


National Bridge. 

Jalapa. 

Vargas. 


21, 


Guachinango. 


22, 
23, 
24, 


Papomtla. 

Tuspan. 

Tebuca. 


25, 

26, 


Alta Tampico. 
Pamico. 


27, 


Cholula. 


28, 


Eio Frio. 


29, 


Thascala. 



0. 30, 


Cuernavaca. 


31, 


Toluca. 


32, 


Tescuco. 
•Tamepanda. 


m, 


34, 


Tisayuca. 


35, 


Carprio. 


36, 


Tubs. 


37, 


Atotonilco. 


88, 


Santiago. 


39, 


Valles. 


40, 


Tula. 


41, 


Catoree. 


42, 


Tula Pass. 


43, 


La Blanco. 


44, 


Venando. 


45, 


Guadalupe. 


46, 


Marina. 


47, 


Padilla. 


48, 


San Fernando 


49, 


Fort Brown. 


50, 


Fort Polk. 


51, 


Corpus Christi 


52, 


Cainargo. 


53, 


Linares. 


54, 


Salinas. 


55, 


Encarnation. 


56, 


Buena Vista. 


57, 


Agua Nueva. 


58, 


Parras. 



KB 9,3. ] 



-i'\ 






o . » • .'\ 











^^-V, 













0° *-^J^-*. °o 



^/ '^^ ^.^ • 




''t^ ^ 
^^<^ « 

















.'^'^^ 

















U • ' '^O A<i> o"""^ < 










.0- 



^^ ^ 




'-^0^ 



• .<i>' 



>^ o. 




'bv^ 







> 



>^SOj. 



DOBBS BROS. 

LIBNARV aiNOINa 



m ^^^^^ 



•%/'••; 






C>, * « 

Mb %.** 

ST. AUGUSTINE *"^4f^\ ^ A^ * *^;DV -^^ « ^^^v^^ ' 



